There are meals that I crave to eat again. The ones that not only tasted delicious but also had a story to them. When I was in college I decided to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa for six months. Truth be told, I chose South Africa more or less on a whim with my deciding factor of the possibility of adventure. And adventure was abound but the part that still sticks to me now is the culture and the food. I decided to merge both American and South African cuisines with this Braai Dry Rubbed T-Bone Steak.
I had seen a similar recipe online which sparked my inspiration to make this recipe. There is no set "Braai Recipe" but rather it uses a similar set of spices for a delicious rub used on meats. One of my favorite memories was going to a braai in a township of Cape Town and getting copious amounts of meat grilled to order. It was part dance hall, part bbq, part restaurant, part local bar. It was definitely an experience that could not be found outside of South Africa.
What is a Braai?
Braai has several different colloquial meanings in South Africa. In part it is a type of grill (usually a large oil type drum cut in half), and at its basic meaning it is similar to what a barbeque is in the united states. However the big difference in my experience was that a braai is inherently a social experience. Instead of preparing the food and eating it separately like with most american BBQs, a Braai is typically everyone grilling, eating and socializing at the grill.
How to cook a t-bone steak
To make this steak I assembled the dry rub and then rubbed it all over the steak, making sure to get every surface. I used my cast iron to cook it so that I could get a great sear and crust. I heated my skillet on a high temp with a bit of vegetable oil, then placed the steak in. It cooks quickly, about 4 minutes per a side. I then let it rest for about five minutes before slicing and serving.
This steak would go great with roasted brussel sprouts, steamed broccoli, or mashed potatoes. Or is you really wanted to go full out South African for this meal, a side of pap (a maize porridge) is an absolute must!
Make it a Meal
- Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots
- Balsamic Bacon Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Creamy Parmesan Polenta
- Roasted Broccoli and Garlic
- Other Side Options
Other Great Beef Dinners
Braai Dry Rubbed T-Bone Steak
Bring the flavors of South Africa to your table with this Braai Dry Rubbed T-Bone Steak recipe. A delicious dry rub makes this steak a must!
Ingredients
- 1 T-Bone Steak
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
Dry Rub
- ½ Tbsp Salt
- ½ Tbsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Tsp Paprika
- 2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 Tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tsp Cumin
- 1 Tsp Ground Cloves
- 1 Tsp Nutmeg
- 1 Tsp Allspice
Instructions
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Prepare dry rub by combining all ingredients into a large bowl and stirring until fully incorporated
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Coat steak with dry rub until all surfaces are covered
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Heat a skillet on high heat with oil. Place steak in skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per a side or until desired doneness. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Arya's Corner
We gave up on using our collapsible hampers because Arya treated them like a toy. Fast forward a few months and they are now her actual toys. Cats are weird, but hey at least this "toy" is an easy one.
Karyl Henry says
I just finished eating dinner, and this steak is making my mouth water! Iv'e become a big fan of making steak in the cast iron. I love how nicely it sears, and how well it retains heat. This looks fabulous
Hannah Healy says
Oh wow, this looks amazing! Love that crispy outer layer!
Jen says
Gorgeous steak! Definitely one to share. Interested in the Allspice- never tried that on steak before!
Mahy Elamin says
Oh, my husband loves steaks. This is the perfect recipe for him. He can eat it every day. I think now your recipe will be one of our favorites. Looks very tasty and succulent.
Dan Zehr says
Oh God, your recipe drives me crazy! This is really a great job! The unique recipe is perfect for my family. Looks very tasty! I am going to make this! This recipe really impresses! I really like! Thank you.
Claudia Lamascolo says
Tbones are my husbands favorite me I love my filet and that one side, I always leave the other! LOL this rub will be my next try !
Marisa Franca says
We are meat eaters pure and simple!! Nothing like a grilled piece of delicious steak and yes when we grill we all socialize outside with our beverages -- adult and otherwise. We do like our dry rubs -- yours sounds delicious.
Lauren Vavala says
I just love learning about the food of other cultures and their methods pf preparation! The recipe sounds delicious - my fiance will love it!
Veena Azmanov says
I Love dry rubs on my stake as well. This looks so good. Love the flavors you have here. Very warm spice mix. Must be perfect for this season too. Perfection.